Oct 7, 2025 - Politics

Incumbents advance in Durham city primary, though some face a fight

Mary Helen Moore

Two people sit side by side at a table in a polling place, filling out their ballots behind voting privacy screens decorated with American flags and the word “VOTE.” — Durham held its municipal primary Oct. 7. (Archival photo by Sara D. Davis/Getty Images)

Durham's primary election results are in, and all four incumbents will advance, though a couple have steep competition ahead in November's general election.

Why it matters: The top two candidates in the races for mayor and city council will face off next, with the winners making development decisions and setting budgets for police and parks.

The final results will offer a window into how voters view their growing city and the leaders shaping it.

The big picture: With all precincts reporting Tuesday night, these are the primary winners (the incumbents are listed first):

Mayor: Leonardo Williams (55%) and Anjanée Bell (30%).
Ward 1: DeDreana Freeman (39%) and Matt Kopac (41%).
Ward 2: Mark-Anthony Middleton (40%) and Shanetta Burris (49%).
Ward 3: Chelsea Cook (60%) and Diana Medoff (25%).

By the numbers: About 25,000 voters cast ballots Tuesday, a nearly 12% turnout.

Local races are typically the only ones on the ballot in odd years, and turnout tends to be low. It was about the same in 2023, despite a wave of controversies making news this election cycle.

What's next: The general election is Nov. 4, and early voting starts next week.

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Incumbents advance in Durham city primary, though some face a fight

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